Laser Safety Standards for Laser Owners
Laser owners are responsible for ensuring the safe use of lasers within their facilities. This includes protecting employees, implementing safety programs, and effectively managing the hazards associated with laser operation.
In the United States, laser safety is governed by the ANSI Z136 series – The Safe Use of Lasers. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has adopted these ANSI standards as the regulatory framework for workplace laser safety. Additionally, state and local governments may impose additional regulations.
International standards such as the IEC 60825 series – Safety of Laser Products apply outside the United States. Many countries have incorporated IEC 60825 into their national regulations, ensuring global consistency in laser safety requirements.
Laser owners should adhere to the relevant safety standards in their country, state, and local jurisdiction to ensure compliance and establish effective safety protocols. Proper training, protective equipment, and hazard control measures are essential for safeguarding employees and property.
International Laser Safety Regulations
Laser safety standards vary by country, though most align with the IEC 60825 series. Below are key regulations across different regions:
United States
- ANSI Z136 series – The Safe Use of Lasers
- OSHA Regulations
European Union (EU)
- Directive 2006/25/EC – Artificial Optical Radiation Directive
- EN 60825-1
- CE Marking
Germany
- OStrV – Artificial Optical Radiation Ordinance
German regulation protects employees from hazards caused by laser and other artificial optical radiation in the workplace. - TROS – Technical Rules for Laser Radiation
Provides practical guidance for implementing OStrV, including laser classification, exposure limits, and safety controls.
United Kingdom (UK)
- Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations (2010)
- UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE)
- BS EN 60825 – Safety of Laser Products
UK equivalent of IEC 60825. Defines laser classification, labeling, and general safety requirements. - BS EN 207:2017 – Laser Safety Eyewear
Specifies requirements for laser goggles used during operation. Goggles must match the wavelength and power of the laser to ensure proper protection. - BS EN 208:2009 – Alignment Goggles
Covers eyewear used during laser setup and alignment. Allows beam visibility at low power while providing adequate protection. - BS EN 12254:2010 – Laser Protection Screens
Defines requirements for passive barriers such as screens or curtains used to block or absorb stray laser radiation around work areas.
Canada
- Radiation Emitting Devices Act (REDA)
- CSA Z386-14 – Laser Safety in the Workplace
Australia & New Zealand
- AS/NZS IEC 60825.1
- Safe Work Australia
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)
Japan
- JIS C 6802
- Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW)
China
- GB 7247.1-2012
- State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR)
South Korea
- KATS – Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (based on IEC 60825)
India
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
- DGFASLI – Directorate General, Factory Advice Service & Labour Institutes
Singapore
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) – regulates laser use under the WSH framework
Key Takeaways for Global Compliance
✔ Identify relevant local regulations – Compliance requirements vary by country and region.
✔ Follow IEC 60825 for international alignment – Most countries base their safety standards on this framework.
✔ Ensure proper labeling & documentation – Many jurisdictions require safety labels, manuals, and compliance certifications.
✔ Train employees on regional safety rules – Regulations differ for industrial, medical, and consumer laser applications.
Responsibilities of Laser Owners
Laser owners must take a proactive and structured approach to laser safety by applying the hierarchy of controls, a best-practice framework for minimizing hazards. This hierarchy prioritizes risk reduction strategies from most to least effective:
- Elimination/Substitution – Whenever feasible, eliminate the laser hazard entirely or substitute it with a less hazardous laser type or lower power setting.
- Engineering Controls – Implement physical safety measures to reduce exposure, such as beam enclosures, interlocks, key switches, beam stops, protective housings, and warning systems.
- Administrative Controls – Develop and enforce comprehensive written standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering laser operation, maintenance, and emergency response. Restrict access to trained personnel and use proper signage and labeling.
- Training Programs – Provide job-specific laser safety training tailored to each employee’s level of exposure and responsibility. Ensure understanding of SOPs, risks, and safety practices.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – As a final line of defense, supply and require appropriate PPE, including laser safety eyewear designed for the specific wavelength and power level of the lasers in use.
By following the hierarchy of controls, laser owners demonstrate a commitment to reducing risk at the source and fostering a culture of safety.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with laser safety regulations can have serious consequences, including:
- Employee Injury – Laser exposure can cause severe eye damage, skin burns, or long-term health effects.
- Legal Liability – Organizations may face fines, lawsuits, or regulatory penalties for non-compliance.
- Equipment Damage – Improper laser use can result in optical hazards, equipment malfunctions, or even fire risks.
- Operational Disruptions – Regulatory violations may result in work stoppages, loss of certifications, or increased oversight from authorities.
Laser Safety Resources
United States
- Laser Institute of America (LIA)
🔗 www.lia.org - Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH)
🔗 www.fda.gov - OSHA Laser Safety Guidelines
🔗 www.osha.gov
International
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
🔗 www.iec.ch - European Union Laser Safety Regulations
🔗 www.europa.eu - Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)
🔗 www.arpansa.gov.au
Asia
Japan
- Japan Industrial Standards Committee (JISC)
🔗 www.jisc.go.jp - Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)
🔗 www.mhlw.go.jp
China
- Standardization Administration of China (SAC)
🔗 www.sac.gov.cn - State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR)
🔗 www.samr.gov.cn
South Korea
- Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS)
🔗 http://www.kats.go.kr
India
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
🔗 www.bis.gov.in - Directorate General, Factory Advice Service & Labour Institutes (DGFASLI)
🔗 https://dgfasli.gov.in/introduction
Singapore
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
🔗 www.mom.gov.sg
